I am a self-taught jeweller, and good at it

Elizabeth Wambugo has cut a niche for herself in the world of jewellery and accessories.

Her artwork collection, Bessy Bugo Jewellery, uses local materials and beads to design beautiful earrings, necklaces, and bangles.

What started as a hobby has become a full-time business that she has been running for the past five years. She says she is among the best jewellery designers in the country.

“I am the designer behind the jewellery worn by Joseph Hellon’s band, Tusker Project Fame winner Ruth Matete, Sefu Sanni, and Nikita Mitche,” she says.

Her company is not new among musicians, actors, and other celebrities due to its unique products. The works attract people from all walks of life, she adds. And although she runs her business from her house, that has not been a challenge to reach her customers and attract new ones.

“I work with my phone. Calling and receiving calls from my customers is what I rely on to keep my business going. I deliver some of the products to my customers at their door step,” she said.

Although she has trained in TV production, Ms Wambugo says passion in African-themed jewellery is what she enjoys doing.

“I used to make jewellery in college and sell to my friends to get pocket money but after I graduated, I realised that I needed a job.

“In 2011, I decided to specialise in making jewellery and other beauty accessories to support my child and earn a living,” she said.

Soon after, she started receiving calls from people who wanted custom-made jewellery and the business gathered momentum.

“I decided to follow up on every customer I got by making the best quality jewellery and calling them regularly for feedback. Suddenly, they started connecting me to their friends and soon I gained popularity,” she says.

“I have done jewellery for Citizen TV presenter Kirigo Ng’arua, and also for Tusker Project Fame winner Ruth Matete and many others. That is what gives me the confidence to keep going,” she said.

Old brass, silver, cow horn, leather, beads, bone, and recycled glass are the raw materials for her products.

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“I have identified people in the slums who sell to me these materials at affordable prices. I also get the beads from the Maasai markets,” she said.

Her products sell at different prices ranging between Sh200 and Sh2,000, depending on the design. Earrings go for Sh300, bracelets Sh600, necklaces vary between Sh800 and Sh1,500, while sandals attract Sh1,700.

She also has customers who buy her products wholesale every month and more than 50 regular customers. She uses invitations to weddings, parties, and other events to market and sell her products.

“Sometimes I even exceed Sh50,000 a month and range close to Sh100,000 when the market is good,” she said.

She has also started training some of her friends who are interested in the business.